Assistant Director of Foundation Relations

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $60,906 and $77,047, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The assistant director of foundation relations has responsibility for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of a targeted group of local and national foundations, including professional, family, and corporate foundations. Special emphasis is placed on major grants of $25,000-$100,000. The assistant director must have a demonstrated ability to develop partnerships on multidisciplinary projects to close grants from his/her portfolio of foundations. The incumbent is responsible as the campus 'expert' on his/her portfolio of foundations and acts as a central point for access to and matching of foundation capabilities and interests with the programs and priorities of the university. As a member of the Foundation and Corporate Relations department, the incumbent will be expected to work collegially and in partnership with colleagues across the team and the entire campus. The assistant director will work closely with faculty and staff members to cultivate, solicit, and steward grants from professional, family, and corporate foundations.

Working in partnership with central and school-based development and research administration colleagues, the assistant director will partner with the senior director of foundation relations in the planning and implementation of university-wide strategic initiatives with a focus on opportunities for transformational giving to support the research and education mission of Case Western Reserve University. This position will require approximately 80% of time spent on direct contact cultivation, solicitation, and overall relationship management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities for professional, family, and corporate foundation prospects. Cultivate and maintain a portfolio of foundation prospects for philanthropic pursuit across the university for the purpose of increasing private philanthropic support for university priority initiatives (35%).
• Identify, develop, and write professional, family, and corporate foundation proposals. Collaborate with faculty and academic administrators in proposal-related program and budget development and serve as a resource to them in the planning and implementation of foundation requests. (35%)
• Work closely with alumni, volunteers, (including trustees), senior administrators, deans, and faculty members to most effectively cultivate, solicit and steward prospects for assigned proposals and initiatives. Identify possible conflicts in university-wide requests of targeted foundations and act to resolve such conflicts. (15%)
• Support school-based and university-wide development programs and strategic initiatives. Execute the university's strategy to build strong relationships with philanthropic partners. Develop strategies that leverage foundation partnerships with on-campus activities. Work to increase outreach to and raise the university's profile with foundation prospects and to maintain contact with donors in those sectors. (15%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with the senior vice president, senior/associate vice presidents, assistant vice presidents, executive directors and directors of departments. Contact with staff as required to perform essential functions.

University: Contact with the President's Office, vice presidents, deans, trustees, alumni, directors of administrative departments, faculty and staff as required to perform essential functions.

External: Daily contact with foundation representatives, community organizers/advocates, federal, state and local government officials. Contact with foreign visitors, healthcare officials and academic boards and organizations as required to perform essential functions.

Students: Contact with undergraduate, graduate and professional students as required to perform essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No direct supervisory responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 5 or more years of progressive development or related experience. A strong background in Foundation Relations or nonprofit sector is preferred.

Education: Bachelor's degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Knowledge of higher education is desirable.
• High degree of energy, creativity, flexibility, organization and interpersonal skills as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively with the ability to effectively interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
• Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and the ability to learn new programs.
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment, some evening and weekend work hours will be required. Frequent travel required.

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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